ILOILO CITY (PIA) – The Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce (ICAST) has vowed for stricter anti-smoking and vaping operations as people are expected to flock in the city for the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival 2025.
ICAST operations head Kai Evangelist, in an interview, also reminded residents and visitors that the anti-smoking and vaping ordinance will be strictly enforced, maintaining a smoke-free environment in line with the city’s comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance.
Evangelista added that they already conducted awareness campaigns, including in billeting areas of guests to inform them that Iloilo City is a smoke-free and vape-free city.
Violators caught smoking or vaping will be given a citation ticket and will be fined P1,500 and/or three days imprisonment at the discretion of the court on the first offense; P2,000 fine and/or five days imprisonment at the discretion of the court on the second offense; and P5,000 and/or 10 days imprisonment at the discretion of the court on the third offense.
Establishment or business facility that violates the ordinance will be fined P5,000 for the first offense, one month suspension of business permit for second offense, and revocation of business permit for the third offense.
On the other hand, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, in a statement stressed that festival-goers are prohibited from smoking in activity venues and public spaces to protect public health and ensure a clean and safe environment for everybody.
“Iloilo City remains steadfast in ensuring a safe, healthy, and enjoyable celebration for everyone,” Treñas said.
It is noted that Iloilo City received recognitions, including the prestigious ASEAN Smoke-Free Gold Award, for its commitment in enforcing effective tobacco control efforts.
Meanwhile, as part of public safety preparations for the Dinagyang Festival, the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-6 will use its four alcohol breath analyzers (ABA) to strengthen the implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 in Iloilo City.
LTO-6 said that the breath analyzers would complement the safety efforts of the city government and other agencies as it would help deter drunk driving and measure drivers’ alcohol levels during accidents, particularly during the Dinagyang Festival. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
